Julia Klein is renowned for her insightful questions, innovation, next-gen development, and problem-solving as a coach and thought partner. She also works closely as a trusted advisor to private company and non-profit leaders and serves as an independent Board Director.
Growing up in an entrepreneurial environment, with family businesses on both sides, she began her career in policy and politics before deciding to “give the family business a try.” Purchasing the stock, she successfully navigated a third-generational transition, growing the company from a local to a national player over the next 34 years.
Julia serves as an independent director for family-owned companies Quaker Maid Meats and Arbill Safety, as well as with Reading Health System, National Association of Wholesalers Institute, ESOP-owned Hedwin Corporation. She previously chaired the Boards of the Berks County Community Foundation and Philadelphia Forum of Executive Women Foundation.
Currently, Julia serves as a Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, Eastern States Group, Ballot PA, and as a Trustee at The College of Wooster. Additionally, she holds a gubernatorial appointment to the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission.
Her expertise is sought after on the Advisory Boards of the Gupta Governance Institute at Drexel University, Modern Distribution Management, Private Company Directors Magazine, and Total Experience Learning at Alvernia University.
As a frequent speaker and author, Julia addresses issues of governance, women’s leadership, executive development, distribution, and community growth.
Recognized as a “Private Company Director to Watch,” Julia was also a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards© in Greater Philadelphia. She has been honored with the Junior Achievement Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame Award, the Athena Award, and has been named a Distinguished Girl Scout Alumna by the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania. Additional accolades include the Voices for Change award from Safe Berks, the SmartCEO magazine Brava Award, and recognition among the Best Managed Companies in Philadelphia.
A graduate of The College of Wooster, Julia received her graduate degree from the University of Chicago.
Julia wears many hats and finds great satisfaction as a board member, mentor, coach, mother, wife, daughter, and caregiver. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Eric Jenkins, and they have an adult son. In 2022, Julia and Eric were recognized for their lifetime of community service with the Berks County Thun Award.